Drunk driving convictions carry several consequences, including fines, jail time, driver's license suspensions, and mandatory alcohol education classes. The duration of the classes depends on the offense and the number of DUI / DWI convictions a driver has had during a 10-year period.

Alcohol education classes can be ordered by either the court or the DMV. Often, a driver whose license was suspended and who wishes to obtain a restricted license must either enroll in or complete alcohol education courses to obtain the restricted license.

Multiple convictions within the 10-year period garner harsher penalties, but if a second arrest occurs more than 10 years after a first offense, it is treated as a first-time DUI.

The standard first-offender alcohol education program requires attendance at one three-hour session for 12 weeks, or approximately 36 hours of coursework. It may be possible to get a restricted driver's license to allow for driving to and from the program.

The standard program for second-offenders is divided into several phases, and typically begins with mandatory attendance at weekly sessions, gradually changing to every other week. Finally, there is a 30-month program for multiple offenders.

PROGRAMS:

SB1176 Wet Reckless - $299

12 week program.

6 Alcohol Education Sessions.

(Absences Allowed = 2 consecutive or 3)

AB541 Level I 3 Months - $550

10 - 3 hour Alcohol Education/Group Sessions, one per week.

3 - 15 minute (minimum) Face to Face Meetings with a case manager.

6 Self-Help Meetings

(Absences Allowed = 5)

AB762 Level II 6 Months - $900

15 - 2 hour Groups Sessions, one every other week.

13 - 15 minute (minimum) Face to Face Meetings with a case manager, one every other week.

6 - 2 hour Alcohol Education Classes.

26 Self-Help Meetings

(Absences Allowed = 7)

AB1353 Level II 9 Months - $1,178

22 - 2 hour Group Sessions, one every other week.

19 - 15 minute (minimum) Face to Face with a case manager, one every other week.

6 - 2 hour Alcohol Education Classes.

38 Self-Help Meetings

(Absences Allowed = 7)

SB38 M.O. - 12 Months - $1,419

26 - 2 hour Group Sessions, one every other week.

26 - 15 minute (minimum) Face to Face Meetings with a case manager, one every other week.

6 - 2 hour Alcohol Education Classes.

(Absences Allowed = 10)

SB38 M.O. - 18 Months - $1,539

First Year

26 - 2 hour Groups Sessions, one every other week.

26 - 15 minute (minimum) Face to Face Meetings with a case manager, one every other week.

6 - 2 hour Alcohol Education Classes.

52 Self-Help Meetings

(Absences Allowed = 10)

Last Six Months - Reentry Phase

6 - 1 hour Reentry Groups.

In California, there are several levels of Alcohol Education Programs that are offered. In order to enroll in one of the programs, one must be referred, either by the court or the DMV.

12-Hour Alcohol School (Wet Reckless): This is the first level of education that is offered. It is only offered to those convicted of a charge that is less than a DUI, such as a "wet reckless" (also known as an alcohol related reckless driving).

3-Month Alcohol School: This is the standard first-offender alcohol education program. It requires attendance at one three-hour session, for 12 weeks, or approximately 36 hours of coursework. It may be possible to get a restricted driver's license to allow for driving to and from the program. For a first offender it is also possible to be required to take a 6-Month or 9-Month program depending on your blood alcohol level.

18-Month Alcohol School: This is the standard program in California for second-offenders. (Note that in California, the washout period for prior convictions is ten years, from offense date to offense date.) The program is divided into several phases, and typically begins with mandatory attendance at weekly sessions, gradually changing to every other week.

30-Month Alcohol School: This is a special program for multiple offenders, offered in very specialized circumstances for certain multiple offenders.

The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs currently license 472 DUI programs that provide first and/or multiple offender program services throughout California's 58 counties. These programs are designed to enable participants to consider attitudes and behavior, support positive lifestyle changes, and reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol and/or drugs.

NCADDOC National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependance -Orange County